1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series III Appears in BaT Auction

A 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series III with long ownership history is listed for auction on Bring a Trailer. The rare grand tourer from a 165-car series is now open for bidding.

An Aston Martin DB4 Series III from 1961 has appeared on the Bring a Trailer auction platform, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most recognizable British grand tourers of the early 1960s. The car belongs to a short production run of roughly 165 Series III examples built in 1961, making it one of the rarer standard versions of the DB4 family. The example offered here carries chassis number DB4619R and retains its original right-hand-drive configuration.

The car’s documented story begins in May 1961, when it was first registered in Norwich, England. Eight years later, in 1969, it was purchased by an owner who kept the Aston Martin for nearly five decades. Following his passing, the car was imported to the United States, where it was acquired by the current seller in 2021. Such a long and continuous ownership period is relatively uncommon for vehicles of this age and often adds an additional layer of interest for collectors.

The DB4 itself holds a pivotal place in Aston Martin history. It represented a major step forward for the brand, combining British engineering with a body designed by Italy’s Carrozzeria Touring using the lightweight Superleggera construction method, where aluminum panels were mounted over a tubular framework. The model also laid the foundation for the celebrated line of grand tourers that would later include the DB5 and DB6.

Power comes from a 3.7-liter dual overhead camshaft inline-six designed by engineer Tadek Marek. In standard form the engine produced about 240 horsepower. In this example it breathes through twin SU carburetors and is paired with a four-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels. The chassis features double wishbone front suspension, a solid rear axle located by a Watts linkage, and servo-assisted Dunlop disc brakes.

The car is finished in dark blue with blue leather upholstery inside. Equipment includes 16-inch knock-off wire wheels and a period Motorola push-button radio. According to the seller, the car was repainted roughly fifteen years ago, and the finish now shows visible wear. Inside the cabin, creases and signs of age appear on the leather surfaces, while the light-blue carpets show discoloration. Corrosion is also noted beneath the trunk floor.

The five-digit odometer has rolled over and currently shows 401 miles, with approximately one thousand miles added during the current ownership. Maintenance under the seller reportedly included an oil change and replacement of several hoses.

At the time of writing, bidding has reached $75,000 with more than a week remaining before the auction closes. For classic Aston Martin models this figure represents an early stage in the bidding process, and the final result may develop significantly as the auction progresses.

Discussion among potential buyers has already begun in the comments section of the listing. Some participants note that the technical description is relatively brief and suggest providing additional information such as underbody photos or a compression test to better understand the car’s mechanical condition. Such requests are common for vehicles of this caliber, where historical significance must be balanced with technical transparency.

Even so, the appearance of a right-hand-drive DB4 Series III with a long ownership history is notable in itself. The rarity of the series, the model’s place in Aston Martin’s heritage, and the car’s preserved, lived-in condition combine to make this auction one that enthusiasts and collectors will likely continue watching closely.